Hammers chief wants to fix leaky defence after Sunderland draw first blood. Gaffer is boosted by goalkeeper Adrian signing a new two-year contract.

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic will use the international break to shore up his defence after a disappointing 2-2 draw at strugglers Sunderland.

After conceding two early goals at the Stadium of Light, Bilic vowed that his side would spend time over the international break to cut out defensive errors that have hindered starts to games.

Bilic told the club’s official website: “I wouldn’t have taken a point yesterday, but when you are 2-0 down with them having chances to score a third, you have to be happy with a point. It’s a good run for us, another away game unbeaten.

“On the other hand we can’t defend like we did in the first half, we can’t afford to make those mistakes or sloppy starts.

“We can talk about being happy with our reaction and determination, spirit and winning the second balls but we need to do that from the start. The quality doesn’t always have to be there, sometimes you have to do what is necessary. But some of the basic things we are doing wrong, I am nowhere being OK with some of our mistakes.

“I’m not only talking about some of the goals we conceded but dealing with their throw ins and long balls.

“Mistakes happen in football; sometimes you can’t do anything about it. Tactically and physically we are fine, but hopefully we will sort out our problems in time for the Crystal Palace game.”

One area of their rearguard the club doesn’t have to worry about is goalkeeping, with fans’ favourite Adrian signing a new contract.

The Spaniard, who joined from Real Betis in 2013, has put pen to paper on a two-year deal, with the option for a further two years, and said he wanted to remain at the club for a long time.

The 28-year-old the club’s website: “This is my third season here and I want to stay here for a long time.

“From the moment I arrived in London the West Ham fans had a special relationship with me.”

“I have enjoyed playing at Upton Park and I want to enjoy playing in the new stadium. It is a big step for the club and I am really excited about this moment.”

Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat resigned from his job following the draw, with many believing it could be the Dutchman’s last role in management.

When asked about Advocaat, Bilic praised the former Rangers and Zenit St Petersburg boss: “He is a man of knowledge, and his experience at different clubs in different countries and at international level is unbelievable.

“I told him I would like to stay, you saw on the touchline he is a man full of energy and passion. The Premier League will be worse off without him.

“But it’s his decision, only he knows what he feels. For a man of his experience, he’s basically done everything in different countries, at international level. Only he knows but I rate him so much, there aren’t many managers like him.”

When asked if he could see himself still in management at Advocaat’s 68 years old, he joked: “Who knows? I don’t think so. I don’t know if I’m going to live to 68! I’d be happy if I was alive!”